Central heating control valves are sometimes called ‘zone control’ valves and have a direction of flow marked on the body which is very important within a system carrying water. (always mark down the flow direction before removing). Two types of electrically operated valve feature in nearly all central heating systems. The first valve is called a two port valve that operates on and off and the second is a three port valve called a ‘Diverter Valve’ that will divert the water flow through the cylinder for the hot water when it is required to do it. Greenford Plumbers are familiar with the supply and fitting of these valves.
The valve is a fairly simple component of the system and is a long lasting, being capable of decades of hard use by your central heating. As with many things that work hard, these valves can after many years of operation start to fail and usually the electrical components wear out, with the seals failing causing leakage. This issue can be very problematic in a home, because you will rely on your central heating system. They are not expensive to buy but it always a good idea before purchasing a replacement valve to check and test the old one first just to make sure that the problem is not in the wiring or control timer, saving an unnecessary expense. During an emergency it is sometimes possible to disconnect the wiring for the valve allowing the operation of the system to continue, however make the cable safe by disconnecting it at the controller and then opening the valve with a screwdriver or a small spanner. This procedure will result in there being no zone control but it is a good option in certain situations. A Greenford Plumber is an experienced professional.
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